Singapore’s beloved specialty coffee brand Alchemist has officially arrived in Japan, opening its first two international locations in the heart of Tokyo. With new cafés in the stylish neighbourhoods of Aoyama and Asakusa, the brand brings its minimalist ethos, meticulous roasting methods, and signature Singapore-roasted beans to Japanese coffee lovers — marking a major milestone in its global journey.
Crafted in Singapore, Brewed in Tokyo
Alchemist first emerged in 2016 as a tiny 4-square-metre coffee stand in Singapore’s Central Business District. Today, it boasts 11 outlets across Singapore and a loyal following for its precision-roasted, small-batch beans and curated coffee experience. Its Tokyo launch represents its first expansion outside Singapore, with the brand now operating under Alchemist Japan Co., Ltd.
The new stores are thoughtfully integrated into their neighbourhoods, with designs that reflect their surroundings while staying true to Alchemist’s clean, design-forward aesthetic. Both cafés debuted in late June 2025, with a soft opening that drew media, creatives, and Tokyo’s specialty coffee crowd.
AOYAMA Store
- Opened: 24 June 2025
- Location: COERU Shibuya Building, Shibuya 2-chome
- Size: 140 sqm | Seating: ~30
- Hours: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Nearest Stations: Omotesando (7 min walk), Shibuya (10 min walk)
ASAKUSA Store
- Opened: 30 June 2025
- Location: A*G ASAKUSA Building, Asakusa 1-chome
- Size: 200 sqm | Seating: ~70
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Nearest Station: Asakusa Station (3 min walk)
Both stores feature a rotating selection of over 10 single-origin coffees, with each cup priced between ¥600–¥1,200 (tax included). Beans are roasted in Singapore, maintaining Alchemist’s commitment to quality, consistency, and control over the entire coffee-making process.
Coffee with Character – and Purpose
Alchemist handles over 80–100 unique coffees annually, with rigorous sampling to determine the ideal roast for each lot. The result? A diverse and ever-changing menu, carefully tailored to highlight each coffee’s origin and character. Their approach balances accessibility with excellence — ensuring that great coffee is both refined and welcoming.
Baristas at the Core
Central to Alchemist’s mission is a deep respect for the role of the barista. As the brand grows in Japan, it continues to invest in barista training, career development, and workplace culture. Each team member is trained to understand coffee from farm to cup, developing sensory skills and critical thinking rather than relying solely on procedures.
“The name Alchemist is a tribute to the craft,” says founder Will Leow. “We want every barista to become a storyteller — someone who brings the full journey of the coffee bean to life with each cup.”
What’s Next?
With bold plans to open 10 stores across Japan by the end of 2028,
